Woman Praises Gardener Who Lost Home in L.A. Fires But Saved Hers as Their Neighborhood Burned: ‘An Angel’

Mar. 15, 2025

“He started watering and he watered the entire front part of the house,” Saenz said.

The next morning, the two decided to evacuate as the flames became too intense.

Saenz drove to National City where she was originally from and her parents lived, while Martinez said he was going to the shelter with his daughter, according to the report.

Later, fire crews arrived and sprayed protective foam on the home, Saenz said.

Saenz’s home remained intact amid the ruins of her Altadena neighborhood. But, Martinez’s residence, which consisted of a back house that sat on Saenz’s property, was destroyed in the fire along with his gardening tools and personal items.

“Santiago’s hands, which have cultivated gardens and nourished friendships, are now empty,” according to a description on aGoFundMelaunched to help him. “His heart is full of love for his family and his work, but his tools—his livelihood—are gone.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“I don’t have words to express his sacrifice,” she added.

PEOPLE reached out to the GoFundMe organizer on Wednesday, Jan. 15.

As of Wednesday, Jan. 15, the Eaton fire, which has been 45% contained, has covered over 14,000 acres and claimed the lives of 16 civilians, according toCal Fire.

source: people.com